Books published by Archer Press Nz

Charities operate in an increasingly complex environment. Their charitable status does not excuse them from governing their organisation in a manner that complies with the myriad of laws and regulations that apply to their day-to-day operation. This book is written to help leaders and board members of Christian charities as they seek to outwork their calling in New Zealand. It aims to help you to encourage the team that God has placed you in, and to outwork His purposes in and through your organisation.

In 1968 Murray Robertson was called as a young minister to a small elderly church in Christchurch, and what followed over the next 40 years was both unexpected and remarkable. During this period Spreydon Baptist grew to be one of the largest churches in the country. More than 70 people were sent out on overseas mission, a significant number of others became ministers of churches elsewhere in New Zealand, and others in the church developed a wide range of effective ministries. Robertson himself became an influential leader in the wider church in New Zealand. In its local community Spreydon developed a large number of community ministries with such influence that the mayor of Christchurch visited to thank the church for its contribution to the life of the city. This book not only tells the story but also provides insights and learning from which anyone interested in the future of Christianity and the church might benefit.

The doing of theology comes in many different guises and styles. This volume is concerned with Integrative Theology, a discipline which serves participation in the mission of God. It is a practice of discernment by which we aim to be attentive to God in God's world, God's word, and God's work, so as to grow in our understanding of what God wants for and is doing in the world. We seek this knowledge so that we may align ourselves with God's desire in relation to specific realities and issues and serve what we discern to be God's purpose with wisdom and courage. When we do that, we are participating in the mission of God. By means of an explanation of Integrative Theology, its aims, goals, and methods, and then through a series of essays illustrating the results of such a theology, this volume serves as a textbook for doing Integrative Theology. Students and faculty alike will find in this volume a valuable resource for doing theology in the early twenty-first century.

This book draws on the belief statements and official publications of Elim and AOG denominations in New Zealand from 1990 to 2008 in order to test the extent to which this conviction was adhered to. A statement that 'In order to reach New Zealand, our methods need to change but not our message', provides a framing device, inviting the reader to explore their responsiveness to aspects of social change within New Zealand before gauging interest in new methodologies known to have impacted Pentecostal churches in New Zealand during this period. Actual changes to evangelistic methodology and salvation terminology is presented from the findings of a quantitative study before the salvation message is re-examined. It will be evident that not only were new methodologies embraced but views on salvation broadened, becoming increasingly holistic, dynamic and relational.

Baptists in New Zealand have built few lasting denominational institutions. In keeping with a congregational emphasis, the focus has been on the local church. The Missionary Society, born out of the recognition that some tasks are better done together, is an obvious exception. Another is Carey Baptist College. From nondescript beginnings, the college has become a broad-based theological provider in the first rank of New Zealand institutions. This volume unfolds the story of this crucial Baptist venture. The deeper narrative is of relationships, innovation and commitment. It is a story worth telling.

This collection of over forty narrative sermons illustrate the science and art of taking a text of Scripture, almost any text, and crafting it into a narrative that effectively and affectively communicates the content of Holy Scripture in ways that impact the congregation. Spanning the canon of Holy Scripture the present volume represents a snapshot of current preaching by Baptist women and men from Aotearoa New Zealand in an attempt to teach by illustration what narrative sermons may look like, and to model the potential they have to communicate God's Word written. Originally preached to a diverse range of congregations, each sermon has been re-written for publication and illustrates biblical fidelity, imaginative creativity, and contextual sensitivity. Kiwimade Narrative Sermons is a key resource text for classes on homiletics, a refresher course for seasoned ministers of the Word, and a devotional aid in its own right.